Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is expected to participate in this week’s mandatory minicamp. An NFL insider has raised an issue over this development, as Pearce has been absent since his arrest in February for aggravated battery.

“Why doesn't James Pearce have to address the media,” John Frascella wrote on X on June 15.

Frascella, an NBA and NFL draft expert, was replying to ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s post breaking the update on the Falcons.

“Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. returned to the team’s Flowery Branch training facility today for the first time since being charged with aggravated battery and fleeing law enforcement on Feb. 7,” Schefter reported. “Pearce is expected to take part in this week’s mandatory minicamp, but he is not anticipated to address the media.” 

The 22-year-old is caught up in legal trouble over his actions towards his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. 

According to ESPN, Pearce was charged over multiple issues, including “aggravated battery with a deadly weapon,” after he reportedly rammed his vehicle into Jackson’s car several times. This incident occurred near the Doral, Florida, police station. 

When authorities arrived on the scene, Pearce first fled in his car before he crashed it and then fled on foot. He has also been charged with aggravated stalking, per ESPN.

However, last month, a Florida court approved a one-year diversion program and avoided trial. 

Jackson, 25, filed a petition for a protection order from Pearce in February but dropped it because of the intervention program. Pearce has to stay away from Jackson for a year as part of that program. 

On June 15, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told ESPN that Pearce's situation “remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”

James Pearce Jr.’s Career So Far

Picked from Tennessee as the 26th overall pick in 2025, James Pearce Jr. had a dominant rookie season. Across 17 games, he racked up 26 tackles in total and 16 QB hits.

He also recorded 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble return. 

Pearce set an Atlanta Falcons’ rookie record with his sacks and finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. According to ESPN, head coach Kevin Stefanski said that the team is in close contact with Pearce’s legal representatives.

The edge rusher returned for his physical ahead of this week's mandatory minicamp, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore